Anchoring systems and methods for correcting spinal deformities

ABSTRACT

Spinal anchoring methods and devices are provided that are effective to correct spinal deformities while allowing some flexibility to the spinal. In particular, the methods and devices allow a spinal fixation element to mate to several adjacent vertebrae to maintain the vertebrae at a fixed distance relative to one another, yet to allow the orientation of each vertebrae relative to the fixation element to adjust as the orientation of the patient&#39;s spine changes.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 12/963,290 filed on Dec. 8, 2010 and entitled “Anchoring Systems and Methods for Correcting Spinal Deformities,” which is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 10/709,795 now U.S. Pat. No. 7,901,435) filed on May 28, 2004 and entitled “Anchoring Systems and Methods for Correcting Spinal Deformities,” which is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to non-fusion methods and devices for correcting spinal deformities.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Spinal deformities, which include rotation, angulation, and/or curvature of the spine, can result from various disorders, including, for example, scoliosis (abnormal curvature in the coronal plane of the spine), kyphosis (backward curvature of the spine), and spondylolisthesis (forward displacement of a lumbar vertebra). Early techniques for correcting such deformities utilized external devices that apply force to the spine in an attempt to reposition the vertebrae. These devices, however, resulted in severe restriction and in some cases immobility of the patient. Thus, to avoid this need, several rod-based techniques were developed to span across multiple vertebrae and force the vertebrae into a desired orientation.

In rod-based techniques, one or more rods are attached to the vertebrae at several fixation sites to progressively correct the spinal deformity. The rods are typically pre-curved to a desired adjusted spinal curvature. Wires can also be used to pull individual vertebra toward the rod. Once the spine has been substantially corrected, the procedure typically requires fusion of the instrumented spinal segments.

While several different rod-based systems have been developed, they tend to be cumbersome, requiring complicated surgical procedures with long operating times to achieve correction. Further, intraoperative adjustment of rod-based systems can be difficult and may result in loss of mechanical properties due to multiple bending operations. Lastly, the rigidity and permanence of rigid rod-based systems does not allow growth of the spine and generally requires fusion of many spine levels, drastically reducing the flexibility of the spine.

Accordingly, there remains a need for improved methods and devices for correcting spinal deformities.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention provides various embodiments of spinal anchoring methods and devices for correcting spinal deformities. In one exemplary embodiment, a spinal anchoring device is provided having a bone-engaging member that is adapted to engage bone, and a receiver member that is movably coupled to the bone-engaging member and that is adapted to seat a spinal fixation element. The anchoring device can also include a fastening element, such as a set screw, that is adapted to mate to the receiver member to lock a fixation element in a fixed position relative to the receiver member while allowing the receiver member to move freely relative to the bone-engaging member.

The receiver member can have a variety of configurations, but in one exemplary embodiment the receiver member includes a recess formed in a proximal portion thereof that is adapted to seat a spinal fixation element. The recess is preferably spaced apart and separate from the cavity in the distal portion of the receiver member. The receiver member can also include a distal portion that is movably mated to the bone-engaging member, and a proximal portion having a recess formed therein for seating a spinal fixation element.

Movement of the receiver member relative to the bone-engaging member can vary, and in one embodiment the bone-engaging member can be pivotally coupled to the receiver member such that the receiver member pivots along an axis relative to the bone-engaging member. By way of non-limiting example, a pin member can extend through a distal end of the receiver member and through a proximal end of the bone-engaging member for pivotally mating the receiver member and the bone-engaging member. In another embodiment, the bone-engaging member can be polyaxially coupled to the receiver member. By way of non-limiting example, the bone-engaging member can include a spherical head formed on a proximal end thereof, and the receiver member can include a cavity formed in a distal portion thereof that is adapted to polyaxially seat the spherical head of the bone-engaging member. In other aspects, portions of the receiver member and/or the bone-engaging member can optionally include a surface coating, such as titanium oxide, nitride, or a cobalt-chrome alloy, that is adapted to facilitate movement of the receiver member relative to the bone-engaging member.

In another embodiment of the present invention, a spinal anchoring system is provided having a spinal fixation element, a spinal anchoring device having a bone-engaging member and a receiver member freely movably coupled to the bone-engaging member and configured to receive the spinal fixation element, and a fastening element that is receivable within the receiver member of the spinal anchoring device and that is configured to lock the spinal fixation element to the spinal anchoring device. The spinal fixation element can have a variety of configurations, and suitable spinal fixation elements include, for example, cables, tethers, rigid spinal rods, or flexible spinal rods. The spinal fixation can also be formed from a variety of materials include, for example, stainless steel, titanium, non-absorbable polymers, absorbable polymers, and combinations thereof.

In other embodiments the present invention provides a method for correcting spinal deformities that includes the step of implanting a plurality of anchoring devices into adjacent vertebrae in a spinal column. Each anchoring device preferably includes a bone-engaging member that is fixedly attached to the vertebra and a receiver member that is freely movable relative to the bone-engaging member and the vertebra. A spinal fixation element is then coupled to the receiver member on each anchoring device such that the fixation element extends between each of the adjacent vertebrae. Once properly positioned, the spinal fixation element is locked to the receiver member on each anchoring device to maintain the adjacent vertebrae at a fixed distance relative to one another while allowing free movement of each vertebrae in the fixed position.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The invention will be more fully understood from the following detailed description taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which:

FIG. 1A is a side view of one embodiment of a spinal anchoring device in accordance with the present invention;

FIG. 1B is another side view of the spinal anchoring device shown in FIG. 1A;

FIG. 1C is a cross-sectional view of the spinal anchoring device shown in FIG. 1A taken across line A-A;

FIG. 1D is an enlarged view of a proximal portion of the spinal anchoring device shown in FIG. 1C;

FIG. 1E is an enlarged view of a proximal portion of another embodiment of a spinal anchoring device;

FIG. 2 is a side, partially cross-sectional view illustration of two spinal anchoring devices, as shown in FIG. 1A, implanted in adjacent vertebrae in accordance with one embodiment of a method for correcting spinal deformities;

FIG. 3A is a side view illustration of two spinal anchoring devices having receiver members coupled to a spinal fixation rod and having bone-engaging members implanted in adjacent vertebrae in accordance with another embodiment of a method for correcting spinal deformities; and

FIG. 3B illustrates the spinal anchoring devices shown in FIG. 3A with the receiver members pivoted relative to the bone-engaging members to allow for movement of the vertebrae.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

The present invention generally provides spinal anchoring methods and devices that are effective to correct spinal deformities while allowing some flexibility to the spine. In particular, the methods and devices allow a spinal fixation element to mate to several adjacent vertebrae to maintain the vertebrae at a fixed distance relative to one another, yet to allow the orientation of each vertebrae in that fixed position to adjust as the orientation of the patient's spine changes, e.g., due to movement and/or growth. While various techniques can be used to provide for such a configuration, an exemplary anchoring device in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention generally includes a bone-engaging member that is adapted to be implanted in a vertebra, and a receiver member that is movably coupled to the bone-engaging member and that is effective to mate to a spinal fixation element. In use, when several anchoring devices are implanted within adjacent vertebrae in a patient's spine and a spinal fixation element is fixedly mated to each anchoring device, the spinal fixation element is effective to maintain the adjacent vertebrae at a desired fixed distance relative to one another. Each vertebra can, however, change orientations in that fixed position relative to the spinal fixation element because the bone-engaging member implanted therein is movably attached to the receiver member mated thereto and mated to the spinal fixation element. As a result, the spinal anchoring devices allow movement of the patient's spine. Such a technique can be advantageous for shortening and/or halting growth of the patient's spine, however the methods and devices can be used in a variety of other spinal applications. By way of non-limiting example, the device can be used for posterior dynamization to function as a decompressive device for stenosis and/or an adjunct to an intervertebral disc to unload the facets of the vertebra.

FIGS. 1A-1D illustrate one exemplary embodiment of a spinal anchoring device 10 that includes a receiver member 12 that is polyaxially coupled to a bone-engaging member 14. While the bone-engaging member 14 can have a variety of configurations, in this embodiment the bone-engaging member 14 is in the form of a polyaxial screw having a threaded shank 14 b and a substantially spherical head 14 a. The proximal end of the head 14 a, in the illustrated embodiment, may be truncated to form a flattened proximal surface 14 c that facilitates polyaxial movement of the bone engaging member 14 relative to the receiver member 12, as will be discussed in more detail below. The head 14 a can also include a driver-receiving element formed in the flattened proximal end 14 c for mating with a driver device. The driver-receiving element can be, for example, a socket 14 d (FIGS. 1C-1D) formed within the proximal end 14 c of the head 14 a for receiving a driver tool which can be used to thread the bone-engaging member 14 into bone. A person skilled in the art will appreciate that virtually any device that is effective to mate to bone can be used in place of bone-engaging member 14, including, for example, screws, hooks, bolts, plates, etc., as long as the bone-engaging member 14 is movably coupled to the receiver member 12.

The receiver member 12 can also have a variety of configurations, however, in the illustrated embodiment the receiver member 12 is generally U-shaped and includes a proximal portion 12 a having opposed side walls or legs 13 a, 13 b that are substantially parallel to one another and that define a recess 16 therebetween for seating a spinal fixation element 18. The spinal fixation element 18 can have a variety of configurations, and, by way of non-limiting example, it can be rigid, semi-rigid, bendable, flexible, etc. Suitable spinal fixation elements for use with the present invention include, by way of non-limiting example, rods, tethers, cables, plates, etc. The spinal fixation element 18 can also be formed from a variety of materials including, for example, stainless steel, titanium, non-absorbable polymers, absorbable polymers, and combinations thereof. In certain applications, it may be desirable to provide a fixation element that is flexible to allow for bending, yet that is rigid in tension such that the fixation element can not stretch or lengthen. This is particularly useful in applications where it is necessary to prevent growth of the spine while allowing normal flexibility.

Still referring to FIGS. 1A-1D, the receiver member 12 also includes a distal portion 12 b that is adapted to movably couple to the bone-engaging member 14. In particular, the distal portion 12 b may include a seat 19 that is preferably effective to receive the head 14 a of the bone-engaging member 14 such that the bone-engaging member 14 is polyaxially movable relative to the receiver member 12. In the illustrated embodiment, the seat 19 is defined by at least a portion of the walls of a substantially spherical cavity 20 formed in the distal portion 12 b. The seat 19 is preferably complementary in shape to the head 14 a. For example, in the illustrated embodiment, the seat 19 and the head 14 a are spherical in shape. One skilled in the art will appreciate, however, that the seat 19 and head 14 a need not be spherical in shape or complementary in shape; the seat 19 and head 14 a may have any shape(s) sufficient to allow polyaxial motion of the bone engaging member 14 relative to the receiver member 12. As discussed above, in certain embodiments the proximal end of the head 14 a may be truncated to facilitate polyaxial motion. As shown in FIG. 1C, for example, the gap 17 between the fixation element 18 and the flattened proximal surface 14 c provides an increased range of polyaxial motion to the head 14 a within the cavity 20.

In the illustrated embodiment, the cavity 20, and thus the seat 19, is spaced apart from the recess 16 in the proximal portion 12 a of the receiver member 12 to inhibit contact between the head 14 a and the spinal fixation element 18, thus allowing polyaxial movement of the spherical head 14 a of the bone-engaging member 14 without interference from the spinal fixation element 18 disposed in the recess 16. The spacing between the recess 16 in the proximal portion 12 a and the cavity 20 in the distal portion 12 b can be achieved using a variety of techniques, but in the illustrated embodiment the legs 13 a, 13 b each include a protrusion or ridge 22 a, 22 b formed therein that separates the recess 16 and the cavity 20, as shown in FIGS. 1C-1D. The ridges 22 a, 22 b together define an opening 22 c having a diameter D_(o) that is less than both the diameter D_(r) of the spinal fixation element 18 and the diameter D_(b) of the spherical head 14 a of the bone-engaging member 14 to prevent passage of the fixation element 18 and the head 14 a therethrough, thus separating the two components.

Since the diameter D_(o) of the opening 22 c is preferably smaller than the diameter D_(b) of the head 14 a of the bone-engaging member 14, the device 10 can be adapted to allow the bone-engaging member 14 to be inserted through the proximal portion 12 a of the receiver member 12 to seat the head 14 a in the spherical cavity 20. This can be achieved, for example, by expanding or pulling apart the legs 13 a, 13 b to increase the diameter D_(o) of the opening 22 c, thereby allowing the spherical head 14 a to pass therethrough. The head 14 a can then seated within the cavity 22 and the legs 13 a, 13 b can return to their original state. The spinal fixation element 18 can then be seated in the recess 16 in the proximal portion 12 a of the receiver member 12 and the ridges 22 a, 22 b will prevent the fixation element 18 from passing therethrough into the cavity 22. The legs 13 a, 13 b can thereafter be locked in a fixed position relative to one another using a locking mechanism that mates to the legs. Exemplary locking mechanisms will be described in more detail below.

In other embodiments (not shown), rather than having ridges 22 a, 22 b formed on the legs 13 a, 13 b of the receiver member 12, the receiver member 12 can include an insert that is adapted to be disposed therein after the spherical head 14 a is positioned within the cavity 22 in the distal portion 12 b to separate the spherical head 14 a from the fixation element 18. The insert can have any shape and size, but it is preferably adapted to complete the substantially spherical cavity 20 in the distal portion 12 b of the receiver member 12, and to seat a spinal fixation element 18 extending through the receiver member 12. The insert can also be configured to merely sit within the receiver member 12, or it can be adapted to mate to the receiver member 12, e.g., using threads, a snap-fit, or some other engagement technique known in the art, such that the insert is retained at a desired location in the receiver member 12. In use, the insert will allow the bone-engaging member 14 to rotate freely within the cavity 20 in the distal portion 12 b of the receiver member 12 because the insert does not bear against the spherical head 14 a of the bone-engaging member 12. The insert will also allow the spinal fixation element 18 to be locked within the receiver member 12 using techniques which will be discussed in more detailed below. A person skilled in the art will appreciate that a variety of other techniques can be used to allow the bone-engaging member 14 to be assembled and disassembled from the receiver member 12. By way of non-limiting example, the proximal and distal portions 12 a, 12 b of the receiver member 12 can be separate components that are matable to one another, e.g., using threads or other mating techniques known in the art. Such a configuration allows the head 14 a of the bone-engaging member 14 to be seated within the cavity 20 in the distal portion 12 b prior to mating the proximal and distal portions 12 a, 12 b of the receiver member 12 to one another. Other techniques not shown or described herein can also be used as long as the bone-engaging member 14 and the receiver member 12 are at least partially freely movable relative to one another. For example, in certain embodiments, the head 14 a of the bone engaging member 14 may be inserted through the distal end of the receiver member 12. In such embodiments, the opening 12 c may not be necessary and thus, as shown in FIG. 1E by way of non-limiting example, the cavity 20″ and the recess 16″ may be completely separated within the receiver member 12″.

As previously indicated, the device 10 can also include a fastening element that is effective to lock the spinal fixation element 18 to the receiver member 12, and more preferably that is effective to lock the spinal fixation element 18 within the recess 16 in the receiver member 12 such that the spinal fixation element 18 cannot move relative to the receiver 12. The fastening element can have a variety of configurations, and it can be adapted to mate to inner and/or outer portions of the legs 13 a, 13 b on the receiver member. FIGS. 1B-1D illustrate one embodiment of a fastening element that is in the form of a threaded set screw 24 that is adapted to mate with corresponding threads formed within the receiver member 12, i.e., on the legs 13 a, 13 b. A person skilled in the art will appreciate that a variety of fastening elements known in the art can be used with the various spinal anchoring devices of the present invention and that the illustrated set screw 24 is merely one exemplary embodiment of a fastening element.

FIG. 2 illustrates the spinal anchoring device 10 shown in FIGS. 1A-1D in use. In the illustrated embodiment, two spinal anchoring devices 10, 10′ are implanted in adjacent vertebrae 50, 52, however any number of spinal anchoring devices can be used and the number will vary depending on the nature of the procedure being performed. The devices 10, 10′ are implanted in the vertebrae 50, 52 by inserting the bone-engaging member 14, 14′ of each device 10, 10′ through the receiver member 12, 12′ and then threading the bone-engaging member 14, 14′ into the vertebra. As previously mentioned, this can be achieved using a driver tool that is adapted to engage a driver-receiving element, such as socket 14 d, 14 d′, in the spherical head 14 a, 14 a′ on each bone-engaging member 14, 14′. Once the bone-engaging members 14, 14″ are implanted in the adjacent vertebrae 50, 52, a spinal fixation element, such as spinal rod 18, is positioned within the receiver member 12, 12′ of each device 10, 10′. Since the devices 10, 10′ are preferably used to correct a spinal deformity, the position of each vertebra will likely need to be adjusted to correct the deformity in order to seat the rod 18 within each receiver member 12, 12′. Once properly positioned, the rod 18 can be locked to each receiver member 12, 12′ preferably by inserting a locking mechanism, such as a set screw, into the head of each receiver member 12, 12′, thereby maintaining the vertebrae 50, 52 at a fixed distance apart from one another. Since each bone-engaging member 14, 14′ is polyaxially movable relative to each receiver member 12, 12′, each vertebrae 50, 52 is free to move in that fixed position relative to the receiver member 12, 12′ coupled thereto, thus allowing for movement of the spine.

FIGS. 3A-3B illustrate yet another embodiment of a spinal anchoring device 100. While the drawings illustrate two devices 100, 100′ implanted in adjacent vertebrae 150, 152, the devices 100, 100′ are substantially similar and those only one device 100 will be described. As shown, the device 100 is similar to device 10 in that it includes a receiver member 112 having a proximal portion 112 a for seating a spinal fixation element 118, and a distal portion adapted to couple to a bone-engaging member 114. In this embodiment, however, rather than allowing polyaxial movement of the receiver member 112 relative to the bone-engaging member 114, the receiver member 112 pivots along an axis, indicated by point A, relative to the bone-engaging member 114. Pivotal movement can be achieved using a variety of techniques, and in one exemplary embodiment a bearing element can be formed between the components 112, 114. The bearing element can be, for example, a pin member 120 that extends through the distal portion 112 b of the receiver member 112 and through a portion of the bone-engaging member 114. Since the bone-engaging member 114 is not polyaxial, the bone-engaging member 114 may or may not include a head formed thereon, and thus the pin member 120 can extend through a head of the bone-engaging member 114, or it can extend directly through a portion of the shaft 114 b of the bone-engaging member 114. A person skilled in the art will appreciate that a variety of other techniques can be used to provide a receiver member 112 that is pivotally coupled to a bone-engaging member 114.

In use, several devices 100 can be implanted in adjacent vertebrae to maintain the vertebrae in a fixed position relative to one another, yet to allow pivotal movement of each vertebrae in that fixed position, e.g., to allow the patient's spine to flex. As shown in FIGS. 4A-4B, two devices 100, 100′ are implanted in adjacent vertebra 150, 152. In FIG. 4A, the vertebrae 150, 152 are maintained in a first, fixed position by locking spinal rod 118 to the receiver member 112, 112′ of each device 100, 100′. In FIG. 4B, the vertebrae 150, 152 have pivoted within that fixed position due to flexion of the patient's spine, and thus each bone-engaging member 114, 114′ has pivoted along axis A relative to the receiver member 112, 112′ coupled thereto, and relative to the spinal fixation element 18 mated to each receiver member 112, 112′. Such a configuration can be useful in applications where movement along a single plane, such as the patient's coronal plane, is desired while preventing axial rotation of the vertebrae 150, 152.

The spinal anchoring devices in accordance with various embodiments of the present invention can be formed from a variety of materials, including, for example, stainless steel, titanium, cobalt-chrome alloys, etc. In other embodiments, the spinal anchoring devices can include features to facilitate movement of the bone-engaging member relative to the receiver member. For example, referring to the device 10 shown in FIGS. 1A-1D, portions of the bone-engaging member 14 and the receiver member 12 that come into contact with one another, e.g., the spherical head 14 a of the bone-engaging member 14 and/or the cavity 20 in the receiver member 12, can include a surface coating thereon or therein. The surface coating can be formed from a material that allows free movement of the components 12, 14, and that is preferably wear-resistant. By way of non-limiting example, suitable materials include titanium oxide, nitride, and a cobalt-chrome alloy.

One of ordinary skill in the art will appreciate further features and advantages of the invention based on the above-described embodiments. Accordingly, the invention is not to be limited by what has been particularly shown and described, except as indicated by the appended claims. All publications and references cited herein are expressly incorporated herein by reference in their entirety. 

What is claimed is:
 1. A spinal anchoring device, comprising: a bone screw having a threaded shank and a head with a flattened proximal surface; a receiver member having opposed side walls that define a U-shaped recess therebetween for receiving a spinal fixation element, a distal cavity formed therein that seats the head of the bone screw such that the threaded shank extends distally from a distal portion of the receiver member, and a protrusion formed on an inner surface of the opposed side walls at a location proximal to the head of the bone screw, the protrusion being configured to separate the spinal fixation element received by the U-shaped recess of the receiver member from the bone screw; and a fastening element matable to the proximal portion of the receiver member such that the fastening element is effective to lock the spinal fixation element in a fixed position relative to the receiver member with the spinal fixation element directly contacting an inner surface of the receiver member, the bone screw being freely movable relative to the receiver member when the spinal fixation element is locked in a fixed position relative to the receiver member by the fastening element.
 2. The spinal anchoring device of claim 1, wherein the receiver member has a proximal portion with the opposed side walls and a distal portion having the cavity formed therein.
 3. The spinal anchoring device of claim 1, wherein the fastening element is threaded for mating with threads formed on an internal surface of the proximal portion of the receiver member.
 4. The spinal anchoring device of claim 1, wherein, when the spinal fixation element is locked relative to the receiver member by the fastening element, the flattened proximal surface of the head is spaced a distance apart from the spinal fixation element.
 5. The spinal anchoring device of claim 1, wherein the cavity has an opening formed therethrough with a maximum diameter that is less than a maximum diameter of the head of the bone screw.
 6. The spinal anchoring device of claim 1, wherein the opposed side walls of the receiver member have threads formed on an internal surface thereof that terminate proximal to the U-shaped recess that receives the spinal fixation element.
 7. The device of claim 1, wherein the protrusion separates the bone screw and the spinal fixation element received by the U-shaped recess of the receiver member without any other intervening element.
 8. The device of claim 7, wherein the protrusion defines an opening having a diameter that is less than both the diameter of a spinal fixation element received by the U-shaped recess of the receiver member and the diameter of the head of the bone screw.
 9. A spinal anchoring device, comprising: an elongate flexible tether; a bone screw having a head with a flattened proximal surface and a bone-engaging threaded shank extending distally from the head; a receiver member having a lumen extending therethrough from a proximal end to a distal end, the lumen including a proximal portion with opposed side walls that define a recess therebetween for receiving the elongate flexible tether, and a distal portion having a cavity formed therein that seats the head of the bone screw such that the threaded shank extends distally from the distal portion of the receiver member; and a fastening element threadably matable to the proximal portion of the receiver member and configured to lock the flexible tether in a fixed position relative to the receiver member; wherein, when the flexible tether is immovably locked within the receiver member by the fastening element, the flexible tether is spaced a distance apart from the flattened proximal surface of the head of the bone screw without an intervening element being disposed between the flexible tether and the head of the bone screw, such that the bone screw is freely polyaxial movable relative to the receiver member.
 10. The spinal anchoring device of claim 9, wherein the fastening element directly contacts the flexible tether to lock the flexible tether in a fixed position relative to the receiver member.
 11. The spinal anchoring device of claim 9, wherein the opposed side walls of the receiver member have threads formed on an internal surface thereof that terminate proximal to the recess that receives the flexible tether.
 12. The spinal anchoring device of claim 9, wherein the cavity has an opening formed therethrough with a maximum diameter that is less than a maximum diameter of the head of the bone screw.
 13. A spinal anchoring apparatus, comprising: a flexible tether; first and second spinal anchor assemblies, each assembly having a bone screw having a head with a flattened proximal surface and a threaded shank extending distally from the head, a receiver member having opposed side walls that define a recess therebetween for receiving the flexible tether, and a cavity formed therein that seats the head of the bone screw such that the threaded shank extends distally from the receiver member, and a threaded set screw matable with threads formed on an internal surface of the opposed side walls of the receiver member; wherein, when the flexible tether is seated within each of the first and second spinal anchor assemblies and the first and second spinal anchor assemblies are implanted in adjacent vertebral bodies, the threaded set screw in each of the first and second spinal anchor assemblies is configured to directly contact the flexible tether extending through the receiver member and to lock the flexible tether in rigid tension between the first and second spinal anchor assemblies, wherein the bone screw in each of the first and second spinal anchor assemblies is freely movable relative to the receiver member when the flexible tether is locked in a fixed position relative to the receiver member by the threaded set screw.
 14. The spinal anchoring apparatus of claim 13, wherein the threaded set screw directly contacts the flexible tether to lock the flexible tether in a fixed position relative to the receiver member.
 15. A spinal anchoring apparatus, comprising: a flexible tether; first and second spinal anchor assemblies, each assembly having a bone screw having a head with a flattened proximal surface and a threaded shank extending distally from the head, a receiver member having opposed side walls that define a recess therebetween for receiving the flexible tether, and a cavity formed therein that seats the head of the bone screw such that the threaded shank extends distally from the receiver member, and a threaded set screw matable with threads formed on an internal surface of the opposed side walls of the receiver member; wherein, when the flexible tether is seated within each of the first and second spinal anchor assemblies and the first and second spinal anchor assemblies are implanted in adjacent vertebral bodies, the threaded set screw in each of the first and second spinal anchor assemblies is configured to directly contact the flexible tether extending through the receiver member and to lock the flexible tether in rigid tension between the first and second spinal anchor assemblies, wherein the flexible tether is spaced a distance apart from the flattened proximal surface of the head of the bone screw in each of the first and second spinal anchor assemblies without an intervening element being disposed between the flexible tether and the head of the bone screw. 